How To Create The Perfect High Ponytail

Ever since my hair grew long enough to tie up (I got a buzz cut a couple of years ago for no good reason other than to have a buzz cut), I've been rocking the high ponytail like nobody's business. I might never let my hair down again. Ariana Grande can back me on this -- it's her signature look and a good one at that. Plus, it's fun, flirty, and -- best of all -- hides the dreaded day two (or three, or four) grease.

To keep it from looking like your average pony, try adding some curl to it -- it's super easy and gives it that extra something.

Want to try it out? Check out this easy step-by-step guide below:

Step 1: Wash Your Hair

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Or at least wet it a bit!
Step 2: Blow Dry

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Do this upside down for the most volume.
Step 3: Prep Your Hair

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I use Redken's Iron Shape 11 finishing thermal spray -- it protects my hair from heat technology and holds in the curls.
Step 4: Curl!

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Starting at one side of your hair, curl each piece from the root to tip. I use BK Unique Hair's 1/2 - 1" barrel wand.
Step 4: Curl!

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Step 5: Tousle

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I like to finger-tousle my hair to loosen up the curls.
Step 6: Gather Your Locks

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Get 'em ready for tying. When I want my ponytail a little more casual, I just use my fingers to drag all my strands to the crown of my head. When I want it a little dressier with less bumps, I lean back and let gravity do the work. Tie it all up, tight or loose -- your call!
Step 7: Reinforcements

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I may have lied a little -- my hair isn't long enough to fully tie up. I pin up my shorter hairs with bobby pins in X-formations (it helps them grip more).
Step 8: Tease

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Starting at the base of your ponytail, tease all strands with a comb.
Step 9: Finish It Off

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Finish your ponytail off with some hair spray and smooth out your baby hairs. I use Redken's Control Addict High-Control Hairspray.
Voila!

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A nice and bouncy high ponytail!